Sweden-America Foundation - Cash Scholarships (masters, doctoral and post-doctoral studies)

Benefit

You will receive a scholarship to fund a Master’s, PhD or postdoctoral programme in the USA or Canada. The scholarship amount starts at around 4,500 EUR (approximately 50,000 SEK) and can be up to around 36,000 EUR (approximately 400,000 SEK). It covers a stay of 6 to 12 months, which corresponds to at least two semesters within an academic year. You may reapply in subsequent years and receive funding on more than one occasion. The funding comes from the Sweden-America Foundation, which pools funds from private donors and companies. You submit an application, and the foundation decides which fund will provide your grant.

Eligibility

• Nationality: You are a Swedish citizen.
• Degree so far: You must already hold at least a bachelor’s degree. Both Swedish and foreign qualifications are recognised; however, you will need the actual diploma itself, not just a certificate.
• What you study: Master’s, PhD or postdoctoral studies, or a research placement in the USA or Canada.
• Length: Your stay lasts from 6 to 12 months and covers at least two semesters. Distance learning, part-time study, work placements and short conference trips do not count as a stay.
• Field of study: All degree programmes are open. If you are studying law or medicine, you must have completed your foundation year before you can apply.
• Admission: You can apply even before a university has offered you a place, particularly for Master’s programmes. To apply for a PhD or postdoctoral position, you will need a letter of invitation from the university or the research group.
• Not funded: A degree from a law faculty is not taken into account, with the exception of an LL.M. (a one-year Master’s degree in law). A degree from a medical faculty is also not taken into account.

How to apply

Please apply by 15 September using the Foundation’s online form. All documents must be in English. Three signed letters of reference must also have been received by the Foundation by this date. Applications will be assessed by expert reviewers. By the end of December, you will receive an email informing you whether you have been shortlisted or placed on the reserve list. The final decision will be confirmed in January.

How realistic are your chances?

The group of people eligible for the grant is small: you must be a Swedish citizen, already hold a university degree, and be planning to study specifically in the USA or Canada. When awarding the scholarship, both academic merit and financial need are taken into account, and as it only covers part of your costs, a clear study plan and convincing references are of great importance. If you fit this profile and submit your complete application in good time before the September deadline, your chances are good.